Create and maintain standard operating procedures to reduce worker’s comp claims

Maintaining a safe workplace is the responsibility of every employer. However, that’s not always just about the physical safety aspects of the work environment. Your standard operating procedures (SOPs) can make an enormous difference to how your New York business ticks over, and can even, in some situations, provide back up if you need to fight a workers compensation insurance claim.

An SOP manual is a text that you develop for your business. It should contain instructions for how every single task that is related to your daily operations should be carried out, step by step. It should also contain information about expected standards of behavior in the workplace, and a dress code if applicable. There should be instructions for safety and emergency procedures, how to apply for leave, and the process for bringing a grievance to your attention. When you take on new staff, they should be issued with a copy of the SOP manual, and you or their line manager should test them on the contents as part of their induction.

When you standardize how things are done, create a code of conduct that requires the same from everyone regardless of their position, and add incentives to reward people for contributing positively to the workplace, you may find your workplace becomes more settled. People may be less likely to have grievances, but if they do, there are channels through which they can be dealt with before they escalate into a workers compensation claim situation.

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